The A1 quattro will raise the tempo thanks to a turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which delivers its maximum 256PS output at 6,000rpm, and its punchy 350Nm torque peak between 2,500 and 4,500rpm. It enables the A1 quattro to power from rest to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 152mph.

This advanced unit is notable for its adjustable intake cam shaft and its two balancer shafts which ensure smooth operation, but also for its high pressure common rail injection system, intercooled turbocharger and regulated oil pump which help it to operate surprisingly economically and deliver up to 33.2mpg (combined cycle).

Power is channelled via a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the heart of which is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If traction decreases there, the clutch can transfer torque steplessly to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds by forcing the packages of plates together by a defined amount. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the oil pressure. If a wheel on one of the axles starts to skid, it is braked by the electronic differential lock (EDL). The electronic stability program (ESP) also includes a sport mode which sets a higher threshold for intervention, and can be switched off entirely for track use.

The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to suit the dynamics of the drivetrain, and the multi-plate clutch has also been positioned on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution. The front suspension is a McPherson strut construction, while a four-link set-up is used at the rear. Responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio complements this taut and well balanced configuration.

Unique specification

Finished exclusively in Glacier White metallic, complemented by 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels also in Glacier White and a high-gloss black roof, the A1 quattro will stand out from the outset. It will also distinguish itself visually through an exclusive design for the front and rear bumpers, the grille and its frame, red painted ‘wings’ within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two sizeable, 100-millimetre diameter polished exhaust tailpipes.

Finishing touches such as tinted LED rear lights, tinted rear windows and a contrasting black colouring for the rear hatch and rear diffuser will also mark out the top-ranking A1, as will quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch which bear testament to this car’s unique position as the first ever all-wheel-drive production A1.

At 3,987 millimetres in length, the A1 quattro is 33 millimetres longer than the ‘standard’ car on which it is based. It matches its counterparts for width and height, standing at 1,740 millimetres and 1,416 millimetres respectively. Luggage capacity is 210 litres with seats up rising to 860 litres with seats folded.

Purposeful black dominates the interior of the Audi A1 quattro, from the high gloss finish for the lower section of the centre console to the seats and door armrests finished in black Silk Nappa leather with contrasting red stitching. The multi-adjustable front S sport seats have pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints and quattro insignias on their backrests. The footrest and the pedal caps are made of brushed stainless steel. Red stitching frames the floor mats, and the door sill trims bear A1 quattro badges.

The instrument cluster incorporates a number of eye-catching features, including white needles, a red-faced speedometer, a quattro logo and a colour Driver’s Information System (DIS). The multifunction sports steering wheel is flat-bottomed, trimmed in leather with contrasting red stitching and sports the car’s serial number. The shift lever knob is made of aluminium, and many control elements have an aluminium-look finish.

Lavish equipment list

As befits its standing at the pinnacle of the A1 range the A1 quattro will be suitably lavishly equipped with many features taken directly from the luxury class. Xenon plus headlights, the high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, the acoustic rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, a storage package, the convenience key and cruise control will all feature.

Infotainment kit will also be exceptional, particularly for a car in the subcompact class. It will include a CD changer, DAB digital radio, Audi Music Interface, hard disk-based MMI navigation plus, a 465-watt 14-speaker Bose sound system with illuminated woofers in the doors and Mobile Phone Preparation High with Online Services. This feature enables a Bluetooth-equipped online car phone to connect to the Internet and deliver special web services, including Google Earth, to the car. Passengers can also connect their mobile devices to the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.

The left-hand-drive only Audi A1 quattro will be available in mainland Europe in the second half of 2012. A final decision on whether or not Audi UK will import the car will be based in part on customer reaction.

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Although its compact, city-friendly dimensions very closely follow those of the three-door A1, the A1 Sportback is actually six millimetres taller and six millimetres wider, and inside offers slightly more head room and shoulder room as a result. It also makes provision for an extra passenger – up to three can pass through its rear doors and take a seat, each of them protected by a headrest and full three-point seatbelt.

Luggage compartment capacity is on a par with the three-door A1 at 270 litres with the backrests of the standard split/folding rear seat in place or 920 litres with the seat folded. The L-shaped, retractable head restraints do not have to be removed to do this. The loading lip is a comfortably low 66 centimetres, and stowage can be further simplified by an optional luggage package featuring usefully divided storage compartments under the loading floor and other amenities.

Features common to the SE, Sport and S line options available for UK A1 Sportback models include alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front and rear windows and mirrors, split folding rear seat and a six-speaker single CD Concert audio system linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.

Sport model additions include larger 16-inch wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a Driver’s Information System, while S line versions upgrade with extras such as an exclusive S line exterior treatment including larger 17-inch alloy wheels, S line sports suspension and leather and cloth combination upholstery.

Infotainment from the classes above
The standard Concert audio system with its 6.5-inch retractable monitor and SD card reader serves as the foundation for options such as the connectivity package, which includes the Audi music interface (AMI), Bluetooth telephone preparation, Bluetooth audio streaming and a second SD card reader which prepares the A1 to accept SD card-based satellite navigation. The customer can activate the latter at any time via an Audi Centre at extra cost.

The next step up is the technology package, which includes MMI navigation plus using a large hard disk to display 3D graphics in high resolution, the MMI operating principle, a DVD drive, the AMI and powerful voice control.

Examples of the additional high-end complementary features available include a digital audio tuner and the 465-watt Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers. The front woofers are illuminated with LEDs. Bluetooth and wired interfaces are available for mobile phones and external players.

Another feature not normally associated with cars in this segment is the Bluetooth online car phone that brings ‘Audi connect’ online services to the A1 Sportback. These include navigation with images from Google Earth, specially prepared news, weather and travel information, web radio and voice-controlled POI search. At a later date it will also incorporate Google Street View images. A WLAN hotspot connects mobile devices on board to the Internet.

Many other individual options reflect the high-tech expertise of the A1 Sportback. These include Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights, a high-beam assistant, light and rain sensors, the advanced key, two different parking system versions and cruise control, to name a few. The list of more indulgent extras extends to everything from electronic climate control, heated front seats and special colours for the air vent sleeves to fine leather upholstery.

New contrasting roof option
Externally, the options list for the A1 Sportback extends beyond the three-door version  by offering customers the possibility to choose one of three contrasting colours not only for the roof line as in the three-door, but also for the entire roof itself as well as, in S line models, the spoiler that extends from it. The Sportback will also expand on the eleven paint colours available for the three door with a twelfth – Samoa Orange – that will be available exclusively for the new five-door.

The A1 Sportback range will initially feature a choice of three TFSI petrol engines and one TDI diesel producing between 86PS and 185PS. All bar the 185PS unit will have their impressive efficiency further enhanced by an engine start-stop system.

The 1.2-litre TFSI (86PS), 1.4-litre TFSI (122PS), 1.4-litre twin-charge TFSI (185PS) and 1.6-litre TDI (105PS) line-up will be joined in the summer of 2012 by a fifth member – the 2.0-litre TDI with 143PS. Just introduced into the three-door A1 line-up, it will power the A1 Sportback 2.0 TDI to 62mph in 8.5 seconds, and has the potential for 68.9mpg according to the combined cycle test.

In line with the three-door A1 range, the 1.6-litre TDI model will again be the efficiency standard-bearer for the Sportback, combining its 105PS output with the potential for 74.3mpg and a congestion charge and VED-eliminating 99 gram CO₂ output per kilometre.

The performance flagship – the turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 TFSI 185PS -  will feature the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox with its exceptionally rapid shifts as standard, helping it to sprint to 62mph from rest in 7.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 141mph. This much-praised, performance-oriented transmission will also be available as an option for the 1.4 TFSI with 122PS. All other versions use quick and smooth-shifting manual transmissions.

Thanks in part to these relatively light, compact engines, weight distribution in the A1 Sportback is remarkably even front-to-rear. Combined with short overhangs, sophisticated front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension and the latest generation Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with electronic axle differential, this makes for a compliant ride and well-balanced handling that is also nimble and fun. This is especially true of the Sport models with their tauter set-up, and even more so with the S line-specific settings.

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Contrast Edition specification is available for a premium of £1,350 over the price of an equivalent A1 Sport model, and in conjunction with all engines in the A1 range with the exception of the 1.4 TFSI 185PS. It brings a contrasting colour for the roof line and for aerodynamic body styling elements that are also added over and above the Sport specification, plus larger 17-inch ‘five-arm’ design bi-colour alloy wheels that expand on the Sport model’s 16-inch examples. For a more resolutely sporty look a double-blade roof spoiler, also in a contrasting colour, can be added at extra cost.

The Black Edition alternative is based on the top S line specification, and is available exclusively in conjunction with the 185PS 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and the newly introduced 143PS 2.0-litre TDI. For a premium of £1,100 over the S line models, it adds a black styling treatment for the single frame grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted rear privacy glass, 18-inch five-arm rotor design alloy wheels in a titanium finish in place of the S line model’s 17-inch equivalents and Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime-running lights. Inside, it also brings full electronic climate control as an enhancement to the S line model’s manual air conditioning and the Audi Sound System speaker upgrade giving 180 watts of output.

More TDI power

Alongside the additional scope for visual enhancement offered by the two new specification options comes the potential for even greater TDI pace thanks to the fifth and latest introduction to the A1 engine range. The 2.0-litre TDI with common-rail fuel injection is available in conjunction with Sport, S line, Contrast Edition and Black Edition specification levels, and is priced from £17,945 OTR. It develops 143PS and maximum torque of 320 Nm between 1750 and 2500 rpm – enough to push the A1 2.0 TDI with six-speed manual transmission to 62mph from rest in 8.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 135mph.

Impressive 68.9mpg combined economy complements this strong performance, and pares CO₂ output back to 108g/km, positioning the A1 2.0 TDI very favourably in VED band B (£20 per annum).

The A1 TDI range also includes the 1.6 TDI with a VED and congestion charge-eliminating 99g/km CO₂ output, and from the petrol-powered camp the similarly turbocharged and directly-injected 1.2-litre TFSI with 86PS and 1.4-litre TFSI with 122PS. At the head of the range in output terms is the 1.4-litre TFSI with 185PS, which combines supercharging and turbocharging to achieve its impressive output.

AUDI A1 BLACK EDITION

AUDI A1 CONTRAST EDITION

The fleet trial project has been initiated by Audi, the power company E.ON, the public utility Stadtwerke München (SWM) and Technische Universität München (TUM), and will help these organisations to consolidate their thinking on the integration of electric power into day-to-day motoring, and to identify how the existing transport and communications infrastructure might need to adapt to support this.

E.ON and SWM are responsible for expanding and maintaining the charging infrastructure in the Munich metropolitan area, and have already installed a demand-oriented charging network there – SWM within the Bavarian capital’s city limits and E.ON primarily in outlying areas. All the electric ‘fuelling stations’ offer power generated via renewable energies.

This trial is part of a project referred to as “Electric Mobility in Munich as a Pilot Region”, sponsored by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development. The Ministry is providing the region with some ten million euros for electric mobility. This project will address a number of issues, ranging from the power grid itself to data transfer between drivers, vehicles, and electric fuelling stations. For example, the use of a smartphone as a driver’s main interface will be examined.

“Audi works relentlessly on comprehensive approaches which maximise benefits to customers. In this era of electric mobility, we will offer our customers a wide range of services which go beyond driving itself. For example, the networking of vehicles with their surroundings and with infrastructure as well as new concepts of mobility will be important,” emphasises Franciscus van Meel, Head of Electric Mobility Strategy at AUDI AG. He adds: “We want to use this fleet trial to learn more about our customers’ usage of electric cars, and their expectations in this regard. We are planning additional fleet endeavours in strategically important markets.”

Close to 150mpg
The Audi A1 e-tron is a range-extender electric car with an output of 102PS and a top speed of 81mph. If the battery runs low on charge, a compact combustion engine – the range extender – recharges it as needed to boost the vehicle’s operating range to as much as 155 miles. This compact electric car is a zero-emissions vehicle for the first 31 miles of a trip – in city traffic, for instance. The battery comprises a package of lithium-ion modules mounted in the floor assembly in front of the rear axle. In short, the four-seat A1 e-tron was designed for daily driving in metropolitan areas. It offers ‘fuel economy’ of up to 148.7mpg, for a CO₂ equivalent of just 45 g/km*.

As Ruth Werhahn, Head of Electric Mobility at E.ON AG, emphasises: “The fleet trial which started today will only add to the expertise we have been acquiring during more than ten pilot projects for electric mobility in six European countries. We have blazed new trails in the charging infrastructure. We have set up not only public charging points near large cities but also innovative charging points at multi-storey car parks in city centres. Drivers simply insert their parking tickets to use the charging points and then pay for their electricity along with the parking fee.”

Home charging solution
E.ON has already developed commercially viable charging solutions for various scenarios. For example, it offers a package to private individuals in Germany that comprises renewable ‘green power’ and a charging box for use with electric vehicles at home. This is available subject to a safety inspection by E.ON of each customer’s electrical equipment to ensure that it can withstand the heavy loads associated with recharging an electric vehicle for hours.

E.ON also supplies charging stations open to the general public – primarily commercial customers. At these stations, two electric cars can recharge their batteries at the same time via different charging points. Magnetic-stripe cards grant drivers access. Both types of electric fuelling stations are being used in the Munich fleet trial. In addition, E.ON is fostering the continuous enhancement of charging technology by focusing on direct-current (DC) fast charging as well as cable-free charging.

Dr. Florian Bieberbach, Commercial Director at SWM, said: “We have been working with partners for quite some time on various projects concerning individual electric mobility. As the operator of streetcars and subway trains, we have more than 115 years of electric-mobility experience in public transportation. SWM is responsible for the charging infrastructure within Munich city limits; we also offer the green power which facilitates CO₂-neutral driving. The foundation for this was laid by our Renewable Energies expansion campaign. We want to generate enough green electricity by 2025 to supply the entire Munich metro area with electricity. Munich is thus on pace to become the world’s first city of a million-plus inhabitants to achieve this ambitious goal.”

During the project, TUM is collecting and analysing data on mobility, concentrating specifically on the situations in which people drive electric cars, the degree to which they drive them and how this technology will influence the use of other means of transportation. To answer these questions, the departments of Automotive Engineering and of Ergonomics have developed a mobile application that all fleet-trial participants can use on their smartphones. These devices will thoroughly document participants’ mobility behaviour, taking into account everything from electric cars and combustion-engine passenger vehicles right through to buses, trains and bicycles. At the same time, the Department of Services Marketing is conducting a study to ascertain suitable models for billing electric-mobility customers.

“For researchers, it is no longer a question of whether electric mobility will catch on, but rather when. Electric mobility constitutes a paradigm shift for companies and society alike. This fleet trial allows us to learn more about people’s mobility habits under a new set of circumstances,” says Professor Markus Lienkamp at TU Munich’s Department of Automotive Engineering. “Insights from this project can then serve as the basis for worthy approaches to sustainable individual mobility.”

*calculated as per the proposed standard for determining the fuel efficiency of vehicles with range extenders

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Superchips’ in-house engineers have undertaken a detailed examination of the A1’s 1390cc, direct injection, turbocharged engine and the Audi’s Bosch MED17 ECU, enabling them to identify opportunities to safely increase engine performance via a high performance ECU remap.

Thoroughly tested in both real world driving conditions and on Superchips’ own in-house chassis dynomometer, the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport ECU remap produces impressive gains. Power is boosted by a maximum of 26 bhp at 6168 rpm, with increases from as low as 2000 rpm right throughout the operating range, up to the rev limiter at 6500 rpm.

The Audi A1’s torque jumps by 28 Nm at just 1917 rpm, accompanied by a increase from 1500 – 6500 rpm, highlighting the flexibility of the conversion, making it ideal for everyday use whether around town or on the open road.

In practice the Superchips upgraded Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport feels considerably more rapid. Independent testing has shown that the Superchips upgrade shaves a massive 1.1 seconds from the Audi A1’s quoted 8.9 seconds 0-60 mph time, clocking the sprint in just 7.8 seconds*.

In-gear acceleration is also transformed, with testing proving that the Superchips remapped Audi A1 covers the 50-70 mph 5^th gear increment 1.1 seconds faster than the standard car. Top speed remains untested, but should exceed the factory A1’s 126 mph maximum, where conditions allow.

This extra performance doesn’t compromise the A1’s widely praised fuel economy. Testing has proved that the Superchipped Audi sips fuel with an average consumption of 45 mpg being recorded. Indeed, if aSuperchips remapped Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport is driven in a ‘like for like’ manner, fuel consumption will not be adversely affected.

Requiring installation by trained technicians at one of approximately 80 Superchips performance centres, the Superchips’ conversion for the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.**

Suitable for both six speed manual and seven speed semi-automatic S-Tronic variants of the 120 bhp (122 PS) Audi A1 1.4 TFSI produced from May 2011 onwards, the Superchips’ ECU remap is available now directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £455.00, including VAT @ 20%.

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The all-new A6 was named Best Executive Saloon by the panel of Auto Express judges, marking the first award for the new generation model, while the already highly-decorated A1 topped the Best Premium Supermini class.

Graham Hope, Acting Editor of Auto Express, explained “The new A6 has wasted no time in demonstrating its abilities, having seen off a whole host of talented and desirable rivals to secure class honours in this competitive sector. The car’s stunning cabin, excellent engines and sharp dynamics set a benchmark for other to beat.”

Amy Wand, Audi UK’s Product Manager for the A6 Saloon, said “We’re delighted that the A6 Saloon has picked up its first award so soon after its launch, reinforcing the fact that it really sets the benchmark in its class for luxury and refinement. With such a wealth of innovative technology – which was long-reserved for the premium D segment – combined with advancements in lightweight construction and engine efficiency, the A6 has remained true to our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy, proving exactly why it is the class best-seller in Europe.”

Prices for the A6 Saloon start from £30,145 OTR for the 2.0 TDI 177PS SE model and rise to £41,640 for the range-topping 3.0 TFSI 300PS S line with quattro all-wheel drive.

Top marks for the Audi A1
‘Best Supermini’ is the latest in the premium sub-compact hatchback’s haul of ten awards this year in the UK alone. Hope commented: “It’s top marks for the Audi A1, which scoops this year’s premium supermini prize. With its winning blend of style, refinement and top-notch quality, the A1 is a cut above the competition.”

Neysan Vahdat, A1 Product Manager at Audi UK, said “The A1 is having a stunning first year, and has proved its wide-ranging appeal with this Best Supermini award from Auto Express. We wanted to bring a subcompact hatchback to market that was as uncompromisingly ‘Audi’ as our customers would expect in every way – from its performance to its styling and build quality – and it seems that customers and journalists are still as excited about it as we are.”

The Auto Express New Car accolade joins the A1’s What Car? Car of the Year 2011 title, awards from Fleet News Magazine, Fleet World Magazine, Business Car Magazine, CarBuyer.co.uk, parkers.co.uk, honestjohn.co.uk, and a British Insurance vehicle Security Award (BIVSA).

Prices for the A1 start from £13,420 OTR (1.2 TFSI 86PS SE model) and go to £20,710 OTR for the top of the range 1.4 TFSI 185PS S line S tronic.

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Further optimisation of the fuel system and engine management unit has reduced the CO₂ output of the A1 1.6 TDI from 105g/km to 99g/km, and boosted its official combined economy figure from 70.6mpg to 74.3mpg. As before, the achievement of these outstanding figures is aided by engine start-stop and energy recuperation systems.

The performance delivered by the turbo charged and directly injected common rail unit also remains as keen as ever. The A1 1.6 TDI with five-speed manual transmission sprints from rest to 62mph in 10.5 seconds, and where conditions allow can reach a top speed of 118mph.

The advantage held by the revised 1.6 TDI won’t only be felt at the filling station. With CO₂ dipping below the 100g/km mark it is exempt from the London congestion charge, and also from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) from year 2 onwards as the duty bandings currently stand. The majority of A1 models, including the 1.6 TDI, are already duty-free in the first year of ownership.

The A1 1.6 TDI with 99g output can be ordered in all three UK A1 trim levels – SE, Sport and S line. Features common to all include alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.

This efficiency standard bearer is far from the exception to the rule for Audi. The Vorsprung durch Technik brand offers an exceptional range of models that champion the cause, the most notable being the three-door A3 1.6 TDI which can also offer 99g/km and 74.3mpg capability, the A4 TDI Saloon with 120g/km and 61.4mpg, the new A6 2.0 TDI saloon with 129g/km and 57.6mpg and the TT TDI quattro with 53.3mpg and 139g/km. Later in 2011, another highlight will be launched in the shape of the front-wheel-drive A8 3.0 TDI luxury saloon, combining 204PS with the potential to cover up to 47.1mpg while emitting just 159g/km of CO₂.

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Audi models won through in five of the specific model categories assessed by the experts using the New Vehicle Security Rating (NVSR) process that awards star ratings based on ‘theft of’ and ‘theft from’ protection. The new A1, What Car? Magazine’s Car of the Year for 2011, and also already a winner of class awards from Fleet News Magazine, Fleet World Magazine, Business Car Magazine, CarBuyer.co.uk, parkers.co.uk and honestjohn.co.uk, added a City Car / Supermini category trophy to its haul. The new twelve-cylinder, 500PS A8 L W12 quattro luxury saloon also triumphed in the Performance Car category, continuing the exceptional four-year run of success enjoyed by the previous generation A8, which was tested throughout that time in 450PS S8 form.

The A4 Saloon, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 compact SUV also all achieved higher NVSR scores than their respective competitors for the fourth, third and second year in succession respectively. Since the awards began in 2006, the Vorsprung durch Technik brand has secured no less than 20 category wins, bearing testament to its absolute commitment to security.

No-compromise Audi A1
Commenting on this sixth run of success for Audi, Director of Audi UK Jeremy Hicks said: “I’m obviously delighted that yet again so many of our model ranges have excelled in the eyes of the security experts, but this year I’m especially pleased with our A1 award. We are always at pains to emphasise that our approach to bringing a sub-compact hatchback to market was just as uncompromising on every level as it would be for any other Audi model, and this award stands as further irrefutable proof of that fact.”

Mike Briggs, Vehicle Security Manager at Thatcham, also added his take on proceedings: “With more outright category winners than any other manufacturer and pushing very close for the overall manufacturer award, Audi has once again proved that it is at the top of its game when it comes to vehicle security across the whole range of vehicles, from City Car right through to Luxury. It’s an excellent achievement and Audi thoroughly deserves all its plaudits.”

Award-winning security is achieved right across the Audi range through features including Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser technology with interior ultrasonic protection and anti-tow sensors, Thatcham Category 4 locking wheel bolts and extensive covert and overt marked parts.

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The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi petrol engine – a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 litres with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 503PS and 660 Nm of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.

The turbocharger, intercooler, induction tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.

Another area where the A1 clubsport quattro shines is in its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms. This helps it to catapult from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, and from 0 to 124mph in just 10.9 seconds. The 50-70mph overtaking surge can be dispatched in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.

A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 155mph.

The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tyres mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston callipers grab perforated carbon fibre-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.

Dynamic and brawny: the exterior
Visually, the exquisitely finished show car makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matte paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminium.

Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red “wing”. Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the bonnet.

The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimetres. They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the wings, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP. Sleek side mirrors are reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car.

The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro.

Designed as a road vehicle for the race track, the showcar has no rear seat. In its place are a large crossbar to urther stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimised starter battery used in racing is mounted in the rear below the two storage compartments. The strict high-performance concept left no room for an infotainment system, an MMI monitor or even a loudspeaker. The lightweight bucket seats are taken from the Audi R8 GT and feature a chassis made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.

The interior of the showcar is a study in dark grey. Large areas are covered with exposed, matte-finished CFRP, including the walls in the rear section of the car, the tubes of the air vents and the “stern of the yacht” in the lower section of the centre console. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the centre console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels. Three additional instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage.

The centre console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. The selector lever is made of aluminium; the caps of the pedals and the surface of the footrest are made of stainless steel. Red loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.

The A1 claimed its latest crown by being the most searched for small hatchback on the Honest John website (www.honestjohn.co.uk) between 1 April 2010 and 1 April 2011.

Neysan Vahdat, Product Manager for the A1 said: “The A1 has had an incredible year so far – five awards from the motoring press and sales way ahead of expectations. Winning the most searched for Small Hatchback category – especially from a trusted website like Honest John – reinforces that customers are as excited about the car as we are.”

The A1’s Small Hatchback award from Honest John joins the prestigious Car of the Year and Supermini of the Year awards from What Car? magazine, the Best Small Car Fleet World award, Best Small Hatchback from Parkers New Car Awards and Best Luxury Small Car from the CarBuyer Awards.

Prices for the A1 start from £13,420 OTR (1.2 TFSI 86PS SE model) and go to £20,710 OTR for the top of the range 1.4 TFSI 185PS model.

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